My client came to me when her husband was already in skilled care. I was able to use my knowledge of the rules to help them qualify quickly for Medi-Cal—even though they had a sizable savings account.
They were raising their grandchild because their only daughter struggled with addiction. When I prepared their trust to qualify for Medi-Cal, I also created an inheritance protection trust for both the daughter and the grandson.
After my client passed, her brother and I set up the trusts. Her daughter was newly sober and living in the family home. As trustee, her uncle was able to protect her from using the funds for drugs, while ensuring she had a roof over her head and food to eat. The early years of sobriety were tough—there were a few relapses—but the trust helped cover rehab when needed. Eventually, she stabilized and built a good life.
At the time, the grandson was a young adult. He was initially frustrated that he couldn’t access the money outright. But when I explained that the trust protected him from creditors and predators (leaving out “and from his own bad decisions”), he understood the value.
Now, after his mother’s passing, he’s mature and no longer in need of protection. His uncle and I went to court to dissolve the trust and distribute the assets to him directly.
He’s now a client too. We’ve created inheritance protection trusts for his children as well.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the plans I help create do what they’re supposed to—protect people and preserve assets.
If you want to take care of everyone in your family, give me a call.
